Leading the local organization, Noel Musoni, President of the Rwandan diaspora in the Hamburg region, expressed great satisfaction with the success of the event, which brought together young people from across the country, some of whom travelled more than six hours to reach northern Germany.
Over the course of the two-day event, participants had the opportunity to get to know one another, exchange ideas about their backgrounds, projects and experiences, and reconnect with the values that define Rwandans, while learning how to balance their identity with the multicultural realities they encounter in their daily lives abroad.
This edition was also marked by the introduction of newly elected regional youth leaders who will represent the various Rwandan diaspora communities across Germany.
These include Sadi Isingizwe, President of the Hamburg and Lower Saxony regions; Delice Ikirezi and Gatete Deogratias, Co-Presidents of the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Rhineland-Palatinate (RP) region; Mugwaneza Francine, President of the Rhein-Main-Neckar region; Gabiro Vainqueur, President of the Berlin region; and Mafurebo Andy Kanobayita, President of the Bavaria region.
In an interview with IGIHE, Noel Musoni highlighted the importance of this initiative for the future of Rwandan youth in Germany.
“This year, we had the honour of hosting Rwanda Youth Connect in the city of Hamburg. We are pleased to see that all regions where the Rwandan diaspora is organized now have youth representatives. This will further strengthen connections among young people, who are an important and dynamic part of our community in Germany.”
He also welcomed the achievement of this year’s objectives, particularly bringing young people closer together, fostering collaboration among them and encouraging their active involvement in Rwanda’s development.
Noel Musoni, President of the Rwandan diaspora in the Hamburg region, expressed great satisfaction with the success of the event, which brought together young people from across the country, some of whom travelled more than six hours to reach northern Germany.The initiative is aimed at strengthening ties among Rwandan youth living in the diaspora.Young Rwandans from different regions across Germany gathered in Hamburg for Rwanda Youth Connect Germany.Over the course of the two-day event, participants had the opportunity to get to know one another, exchange ideas about their backgrounds, projects and experiences, and reconnect with the values that define Rwandans. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future. Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 demonstrated that, beyond geographical distances, a united, organized youth deeply connected to its roots can become a true force for development.
Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving.”, this year’s edition highlighted a committed generation determined to build bridges between their host country and their country of origin.
One of the event’s distinctive features was that it was entirely coordinated by young people themselves, demonstrating their sense of responsibility and their ability to mobilize and unite their peers around shared goals.
To attend the gathering, some participants travelled hundreds of kilometres, with several spending more than six hours on the road to reach Hamburg and reconnect with fellow Rwandans living across Germany. Beyond the conference itself, the event represented a rare opportunity to meet, expand professional and social networks, and strengthen ties within a community spread across a vast country.
The main activities on June 20 focused on discussions and thematic panels addressing issues that matter to young people in the diaspora.
The first panel, “Rooted in Values, Connected by Purpose: Rwandan Youth in the Digital Era,” moderated by Daisy Igihozo and featuring Gildas Mukunde, First Secretary at the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, alongside Anaïs Usanase and Amani Shema, emphasized the importance of preserving Rwandan values in an increasingly digital world and using digital tools to strengthen community engagement.
The second panel, “Success Beyond Career: Empowering Rwandan Youth with Skills, Resilience, and Responsibility,” moderated by Samantha Kayitete Murera, brought together Dr Kaneza Elisabeth, Moise Mwiseneza and Leilla Umutoni to discuss resilience, leadership, responsibility and skills development.
The third panel, “Insights on Financial Literacy, Legal Awareness, and Pathways to Entrepreneurship,” moderated by Delice Perle Ikirezi and featuring Ange Bella Kabano, Musafiri Sebiziga, Protogene Hahirwabayo and Guillaume Habarurema, focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the importance of collective investment.
A conversation titled “Rooted Identity Beyond Borders: Belonging and the Global Rwandan Experience,” led by Nadège Akamanzi with Madame Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, further explored questions of identity, belonging and the role of Rwandans living abroad in shaping the country’s future.
Beyond the panel discussions, participants also took part in open exchanges that allowed them to share personal experiences, daily challenges and powerful testimonies about navigating life between Rwanda and Germany. These discussions revealed a common reality: despite the distance, their attachment to Rwanda remains deeply rooted.
The event also featured a session on youth engagement in Germany, facilitated by Naomi Ikamba and Moise Mwiseneza, highlighting the importance of further structuring youth-led initiatives across the country.
The highlight of the gathering was the closing address delivered by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, who reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future.
Addressing the young audience gathered from different German cities, he stressed that the diaspora is considered Rwanda’s “sixth province” and encouraged them to remain organized, united and ambitious.
Drawing on the example of the Rwandan community in Kaiserslautern, he demonstrated how a simple collective initiative can generate meaningful impact, citing a solidarity mechanism that helped finance health insurance for vulnerable people in Rwanda.
He also encouraged young people not to separate their lives in Germany from their Rwandan identity, but rather to transform the skills and experiences acquired abroad into opportunities for Rwanda, including through collaborative entrepreneurial projects.
After the official discussions and speeches, participants gathered for an evening of cultural performances, music and moments of fellowship.
More than a celebration, the evening became a space for meaningful connections among young Rwandans from different parts of Germany. Participants strengthened friendships, built new relationships and expanded a network that now extends beyond regional boundaries.
These moments perfectly embodied the spirit of Rwanda Youth Connect Germany: bringing together young members of the diaspora to share experiences, support one another and jointly contribute to Rwanda’s future.
Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 demonstrated that beyond geographical distances, a united, organized and deeply rooted generation can become a powerful force for national development.
The message that resonated throughout the event was clear: the Rwandan youth in the diaspora are not simply preparing Rwanda’s future; they are already helping to build it.
In 2025, the Rwandan diaspora injected US$639.84 million into Rwanda’s economy, reaffirming its essential role in the country’s development.
Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving.”, this year’s edition highlighted a committed generation determined to build bridges between their host country and their country of origin.The first panel, “Rooted in Values, Connected by Purpose: Rwandan Youth in the Digital Era,” was moderated by Daisy Igihozo.The second panel, “Success Beyond Career: Empowering Rwandan Youth with Skills, Resilience, and Responsibility,” was moderated by Samantha Kayitete Murera.The third panel, “Insights on Financial Literacy, Legal Awareness, and Pathways to Entrepreneurship,” was moderated by Delice Perle Ikirezi.A conversation entitled “Rooted Identity Beyond Borders: Belonging and the Global Rwandan Experience,” led by Nadège Akamanzi.Mrs. Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, wife of Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, also contributed to a deeper reflection on issues of identity and the sense of belonging among Rwandans living abroad.Attendees performed and enjoyed traditional Rwandan dances. The highlight of the gathering was the closing address delivered by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, who reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future.IGIHE spoke with Ambassador Igor César and his wife, Jeanne Ndatirwa.Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 thus demonstrated that, beyond geographical distances, a united, organized youth deeply connected to its roots can become a true force for development.
Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving ”, the event builds on the success of the first edition organized in 2025.
The initiative aims to provide young Rwandans with a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, while supporting their personal, academic, and professional development and reinforcing their connection to Rwandan values.
Equipping young people to thrive in a changing world
Students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as young people born and raised in Germany, represent a generation navigating a multicultural and constantly evolving environment.
This reality offers numerous opportunities, but also raises important questions related to identity, belonging, civic responsibility, and integration into social, professional, and economic systems that can sometimes be complex.
Rwandan Youth Connect Germany seeks to create constructive spaces where young people can share experiences and develop solutions adapted to their realities.
This second edition will focus on several key themes, including cultural identity in the digital age, personal development, resilience, social responsibility, and the skills needed to succeed in international professional environments.
Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss topics related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for collaboration between Rwanda and Germany.
The goal is to encourage young people to develop critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and become positive contributors within their communities.
Strengthening the connection between the diaspora and Rwanda
Beyond the discussions, the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between Rwandan youth in the diaspora and Rwanda itself.
Organizers aim to encourage young people to leverage their international experiences to contribute to the country’s development and foster cooperation among Rwandan communities living abroad.
The summit is supported by the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, which continues to promote youth engagement and empowerment within the diaspora.
With this second edition, Rwandan Youth Connect Germany reaffirms its ambition to become a sustainable platform serving a new generation of young Rwandans.
Photos from the previous edition
The initiative aims to strengthen identity, skills, and future readiness among young Rwandans living in Germany.The event focuses on key themes including identity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and opportunities between Rwanda and Germany.Organizers say the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between the Rwandan diaspora and Rwanda while empowering youth to contribute to national development.Rwandan Youth Connect Germany provides a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration among young members of the diaspora.
The event brought together many members of the Rwandan community as well as several distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of Rwanda to Luxembourg, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju.
The evening was further enriched by a presentation from Professor Alain Verhaagen, who provided historical insight into the mechanisms that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the country’s reconstruction process based on unity, reconciliation, and peace.
In her remarks, the Ambassador praised the play as a work that goes beyond artistic expression to become a powerful vehicle of memory, conveying essential values such as unity, respect, solidarity, resilience, and dialogue.
She emphasized the fundamental role of culture and the arts in preserving memory and passing this legacy on to younger generations.
In an interview following the performance, author and director Jean-Marie Vianney Rurangwa expressed his delight at presenting Wipe Away Your Tears and Stand Up in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Having already brought the play to several countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Egypt, the United States, Belgium, Poland, Senegal, and Guinea-Conakry, he said he was honored to have been invited by Ibuka Luxembourg in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
He extended his sincere gratitude to all the artists, organizers, partners, and everyone who contributed to the success of the performance. He also expressed his deep appreciation to the audience for their presence, attention, and commitment to the duty of remembrance.
According to him, everyone’s contribution helped make the Luxembourg stage of this journey a significant moment of commemoration, transmission, and reflection.
For his part, Kalisa Didace, President of Ibuka Luxembourg, recalled the importance of preserving the memory of the victims and continuing the fight against genocide denial, racism, and all forms of discrimination.
He also noted that this initiative, one of the first organized by the young association founded last March, is fully in line with its mission of transmitting memory to present and future generations.
Through discussions, testimonies, and the power of theatre, the evening reaffirmed the importance of remembrance while conveying a message of hope, human dignity, and collective commitment to peace, mutual understanding, and social cohesion.
It also highlighted the essential role of culture in preserving the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi and transmitting its lessons to future generations.
Professor Alain Verhaagen provided historical insight into the mechanisms that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the country’s reconstruction process, founded on unity, reconciliation, and peace.Author and director Jean-Marie Vianney Rurangwa expressed his delight at presenting Wipe Away Your Tears and Stand Up in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.Martin Janssens is also a member of the cast of this theatrical production.Amb. Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju praised the play as a work that transcends artistic expression to become a powerful vehicle of remembrance, conveying essential values such as unity, respect, solidarity, resilience, and dialogue. Kalisa Didace, President of Ibuka Luxembourg, recalled the importance of preserving the memory of the victims and continuing the fight against genocide denial, racism, and all forms of discrimination.Lawyer André Karongozi, a member of the cast of this theatrical production.Author and director Jean-Marie Vianney Rurangwa expressed his delight at presenting Wipe Away Your Tears and Stand Up in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.Professor Alain Verhaagen provided historical insight into the mechanisms that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the country’s reconstruction process, founded on unity, reconciliation, and peace.
The remembrance event featured a walk from Leuven railway station to Ladeuzeplein, symbolizing solidarity with victims, followed by speeches, testimonies, reflections, and artistic performances dedicated to honoring the memory of those who were killed and reaffirming a commitment to never forget.
The commemoration was coordinated by Édouard Karangwa and attended by Leuven Alderman for International Affairs Lies Corneillie, alongside representatives of associations and members of the Rwandan youth community in Belgium.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Martin Ikomeze, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB) in Leuven, thanked participants who had traveled from different parts of the country.
According to him, remembrance is a responsibility for every Rwandan and provides a unique opportunity to transmit historical truth.
He stressed the importance of honoring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi while continuing efforts toward unity and reconciliation.
Speaking about the role of testimonies, he underlined their importance in preserving memory, combating genocide denial, and transmitting history to younger generations so that such a tragedy may never happen again.
One of the most moving moments of the day was the testimony of Mrs. Jeannette Mukandwari, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Now a mother of two children, she shared a story marked by courage and resilience. Through her personal journey, she demonstrated her determination to overcome the hardships of the past and rebuild her life despite the wounds left by the genocide.
Speaking on behalf of Ibuka, Johan Sebukire highlighted the importance of remembrance for younger generations. He noted that although most young people in the diaspora did not experience the 1994 genocide themselves, they nevertheless carry its legacy through the stories of their families and communities.
He stressed the need to combat genocide denial, preserve the memory of the victims, and pass this history on to future generations.
On this occasion, he also called on the City of Leuven to consider, in consultation with the Rwandan community, the installation of a memorial plaque in honor of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to him, such a memorial site would serve as a place of reflection, an educational tool for future generations, and a powerful symbol of the city’s commitment against hatred, racism, and all forms of discrimination.
Lies Corneillie, Alderman for International Affairs of the City of Leuven, emphasized the importance of testimonies, the transmission of memory to younger generations, and the duty of remembrance.
She also expressed the City’s willingness to continue the dialogue on the establishment of a memorial site, with the aim of preserving the memory of the victims and raising awareness among future generations.
The Leuven ceremony also marked the final stage of the national program of the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which had been organized in different cities across Belgium since April 7.
On this occasion, Gakuba Ernest, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB), recalled that remembrance is not limited to a particular period of the year but constitutes a permanent responsibility toward the victims and future generations.
Thirty-two years after the genocide, he noted, the wounds remain deep, and commemoration continues to be both a tribute to those who perished and a commitment to truth, as well as a safeguard against genocide denial and genocidal ideology.
He also referred to the historical factors that led to the genocide and the abandonment of Rwanda by the international community in 1994.
Paying tribute to the soldiers of the FPR-Inkotanyi who stopped the genocide and saved countless lives, he praised their decisive role in the liberation of the country.
Addressing young people, particularly those in the diaspora, he encouraged them to take ownership of this history, transmit it faithfully, and uphold the values of truth, unity, courage, and humanity.
The day concluded with a musical tribute by artist Nyiranyamibwa Suzanne. Through several deeply emotional songs, she honored the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and offered participants a moment of reflection and hope.
Beyond remembrance, this 32nd commemoration highlighted the importance of preserving historical truth, supporting survivors, and passing memory on to future generations.
In his address, Rev. Dr. Martin Ikomeze, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB) in Leuven, welcomed participants who had come from different cities across Belgium to take part in the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.During the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Leuven, Mrs. Jeannette Mukantwari, a survivor of the genocide and now a mother of two children, shared a moving testimony of courage and resilience.Gakuba Ernest, Federal President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB), recalled that the duty of remembrance is not limited to a specific period of the year, but constitutes an ongoing responsibility toward the victims and future generations.The ceremony was notably attended by Lies Corneillie, Alderman for International Affairs of the City of LeuvenTwagira Mutabazi Eugène, President of Ibuka – Mémoire et Justice, BelgiqueÉdouard Karangwa served as the coordinator of the ceremony marking the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Leuven.Johan Sebukire, speaking on behalf of Ibuka, highlighted the importance of the duty of remembrance for younger generations.
Photos showing the second part of the commemoration event
On this occasion, they were called upon to confront those who deliberately seek to distort the tragic history Rwanda experienced.
Among the participants were many young people who were reminded of the importance of preserving the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. They were encouraged to continue learning about the history that led Rwanda to this tragedy so that it may never happen again and so they can defend the truth against genocide denial and revisionism.
The President of the Rwandan Diaspora in the cities of Mons and Tournai, Arnold Turagara, recalled the dark periods Rwanda went through, emphasizing that the people of this city, as well as Europe in general, have also experienced difficult times marked by wars.
He stated: “Tournai is a city that has gone through difficult periods, including wars throughout its history. However, its residents managed to rebuild themselves after those painful moments.”
He also reminded participants that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was carefully planned and carried out with extreme cruelty, leading to the killing of more than one million people in just one hundred days solely because of who they were.
“Commemorating today is not only about looking back at the past, but also about preserving this memory so that we are not trapped by it and can continue moving forward with life,” he added.
The President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium at the national level, Gakuba Ernest, condemned those who continue to falsify the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi by spreading false information.
He said: “Distorting history is unacceptable because doing so indirectly supports those who planned and executed the Genocide against the Tutsi.”
He reminded attendees that the genocide did not happen by accident, but was the result of long-term preparation marked by hate propaganda spread by leaders of the time and by the dehumanization of Tutsi.
Representing Ibuka Mémoire et Justice Belgique, emphasized thatmore than one million Tutsi killed during the genocide reflects the reality of what happened.
He praised the courage and resilience of genocide survivors, who endured extremely difficult periods of persecution because of their identity.
Gakuba also criticized certain European countries for not doing enough to arrest individuals involved in the Genocide against the Tutsi who were convicted by Rwandan courts yet continue to live freely in Europe.
According to him, some of them actively contribute to spreading genocide ideology and denying the genocide.
He insisted: “This history must be taught in schools so that younger generations can learn about it from an early age.”
The first part of the commemoration took place near the memorial located close to the Saint-Jean Military School on Rue du Caporal Bruno Méaux in Tournai. The ceremony included wreath laying, speeches from various leaders, and tributes to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The memorial also honors Belgian soldiers killed in Rwanda, some of whom were originally from Tournai.
The second part of the day featured testimonies, discussions, and memorial songs aimed at strengthening messages of peace and unity.
Since April 7, 2026, activities marking the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Belgium have taken place successively in Brussels, Liège, Bruges, Namur, Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Charleroi, and Tournai.
The next event will take place in the city of Louvain on June 6, which will also mark the conclusion of the symbolic 100 days of commemoration in Belgium.
Yvonne Buhikare shared her testimony, which she also documented in a book titled “Ils vont nous tuer” Benjamin Brotcorn, an alderman of the city of Tournai, attended the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.Gakuba Ernest, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in BelgiumArnold Turagara, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in the cities of Mons and Tournai.
The demonstrators denounced what they described as targeted violence against Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsis based on their ethnic identity.
They accused several actors, including the Congolese government, Burundian troops operating in eastern DRC, the FDLR terrorist group, Wazalendo militia, and other armed groups, of involvement in the attacks.
The protest also highlighted what participants called growing hate speech, discrimination, and persecution directed at Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities across the DRC.
Organizers said the demonstration comes amid continued reports of attacks in South Kivu, including drone strikes, the burning of villages, and restrictions on humanitarian access to Banyamulenge communities living in the highlands of Minembwe.
They argued that these conditions have contributed to the deaths of civilians, including children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
The protest was organized by the Banyamulenge Congolese Community of Australia (BCCA) and the Kinyarwanda Speaking Congolese Community (KSCC).
Participants marched through Canberra and delivered written messages to the embassies of the United States and Belgium, calling for greater international attention to the situation in eastern Congo.
Speaking during the protest, BCCA President Birori Zawadi Munyaruhanga said demonstrators were demanding justice, peace, and equal rights for affected communities.
“We are calling for justice, peace, and the right to live like everyone else,” he said, while also appealing for protection from both the Congolese government and the United States.
KSCC President Innocent Amini Yuhi said Canberra was chosen to ensure that the protesters’ message reached policymakers. He noted that similar advocacy efforts were underway among Banyamulenge communities in the United States and Belgium.
The protest follows demonstrations held earlier this year by Banyamulenge communities in Washington, D.C., and Kenya, where participants also called on the international community to intervene and address violence affecting civilians in South Kivu.
Protest organizers argued that lasting peace will require stronger international engagement and the implementation of peace agreements signed between the Congolese government and AFC/M23, which they say have yet to be fully implemented.
Members of the Banyamulenge community in Australia have staged a peaceful protest in Canberra, calling for justice and an end to violence against their communities in eastern DRC.Community leaders addressed protesters during a rally in Canberra, urging stronger international engagement to help restore peace and security in eastern Congo.Protesters march through Canberra on May 29, 2026, raising concerns over killings, discrimination, and insecurity affecting Banyamulenge community in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.Demonstrators gather in Australia’s capital to raise awareness of attacks, displacement, and humanitarian challenges facing Banyamulenge communities in South Kivu.
The event took place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, and was organized to engage young people born to former Rwandan refugees in the Republic of Congo, helping them better understand Rwanda’s history, culture, values and traditions.
During the discussions, Amb. Busabizwa described young people as the future of Rwanda and highlighted government efforts to empower youth through education, employment and leadership opportunities.
He encouraged them to take part in various youth-focused programs, including Itorero ry’Urungano, Youth Tour and Itorero Indangamirwa.
The ambassador also urged them to participate in activities organized for the youth to help them better understand accurate information about Rwanda, strengthen patriotism and obtain Rwandan identification documents as part of efforts to build a united Rwandan community abroad.
“Young people are the future of Rwanda. You have the right to obtain Rwandan documents. Do not allow those who spread hatred and division to mislead you, because we are one people. We come together to discuss Rwanda and what can contribute to its development. It is important that you understand this and work together to build our shared future,” he said.
He further informed participants about programs planned by the embassy, including Kinyarwanda language lessons, traditional dance and cultural activities, as well as sports initiatives.
Some of the participants shared testimonies about how such engagements had changed their perceptions and understanding of Rwanda.
They said they had previously received misleading information about Rwanda and its leadership, and encouraged fellow youth to approach the embassy for assistance in obtaining documents and learning more about their country of origin.
They also noted that Rwanda offers many opportunities for young people.
The participants concluded by thanking the Rwandan Embassy for organizing programs that help connect them to their homeland and deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s history, culture and their responsibilities as Rwandan youth living abroad.
Ambassador Busabizwa engaged over 90 Rwandan youth in Congo on patriotism and national identityRwandan youth in Brazzaville have been urged to strengthen patriotism during embassy engagement programEmbassy outreach in Brazzaville seeks to reconnect Rwandan youth with their history and heritage
Dr. Nsengiyumva met members of the Rwandan community during his visit to Benin, where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni on Sunday in the city of Cotonou.
As confirmed by Rwanda’s office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva also commended the community for its contribution to relations between Rwanda and Benin.
The inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni took place at the Congress Palace in Cotonou and brought together more than 6,000 guests, including former presidents, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Wadagni secured victory in the April 12, 2026 presidential election with more than 94% of the vote and officially began his seven-year constitutional term on Sunday.
Before Dorothe Sossa, president of the Constitutional Court, Wadagni pledged to serve and defend Benin, respect the Constitution and promote peace, national unity and the common good.
He also committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and serving the people faithfully.
Rwanda and Benin maintain cordial bilateral relations, with cooperation spanning sectors such as security, trade promotion and other areas of development.
Dr. Nsengiyumva met members of the Rwandan community during his visit to Benin.Dr. Nsengiyumva also commended the community for its contribution to relations between Rwanda and Benin.
Itorero Indangamirwa is a national civic education and values-formation programme established in 2008. It is designed to promote Rwandan cultural values, national history, and principles of socio-economic transformation, while also introducing participants to basic military skills and leadership training.
The programme targets Rwandan youth aged 18 to 23 years, including members of the Diaspora, students from international schools operating in Rwanda, students in universities and higher learning institutions, and outstanding performers from the 13th cohort of the Non-Residential National Service (Urugerero).
The 16th Cohort will take place from 1 July to 10 August 2026 at CTC Gabiro in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province.
Eligibility at a glance
Applicants must be Rwandan citizens with valid proof of nationality, such as a National ID or passport, and fall within the age range of 18 to 23 years. They are also required to be physically and mentally fit.
In addition, applicants should be able to cover their round-trip transport or airfare costs and must be fully available to participate for the entire duration of the programme.
Authorities emphasise that full participation is required for the entire training period, and partial attendance will not be accepted.
Applications are submitted online via the registration link: https://t.co/bCqv973BR9
Itorero Indangamirwa is a national civic education and values-formation programme established in 2008.
